Earth-House Sutra in Winter

I.
I am ready
to live with the wrens
and the cedars,
to slough off
my mind
on the mountain.

II.
There is nothing but stillness here.
Stillness and wind.
They flirt like squirrels
among the branches.

III.
This mind is full
of drifted snow.
I will settle immobile
on a sun-glazed stone
and wait for spring
and rain to melt it.

IV.
Until then: watching, listening—
a visit by a rain of pine needles.

V.
Almost still enough
to feel the mountain breathing;
quiet enough
to hear the passing clouds

and my own body stirring to life.

VI.
Crocuses and snowdrops
watered
by melting thoughts;
the rest trickles down
to join the great watershed.

VII.
An apple tree blossoms:
the mind is set on fire
with love.
VIII.
I touched a fallen bough.
It too bloomed barest pink.
The mountain set ablaze
with longing.

IX.
When snow falls now
it lands for a drop of time
then melts and flows into
the lonely river.

X.
All this year
the mind watched,
from where I set it,
in the branches of
the fragrant trees.

I will pick it up again
this summer.